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Now that fall is coming to an end, winter is just around the corner. Before the season arrives, there are several tasks around your home which need to be completed to prepare for the cold months ahead. While taking care of your heating and ventilation system is of utmost importance, so is your plumbing. Taking care of your plumbing system right away can prevent having to spend money on costly repairs.

The following are several tips to prepare your plumbing system for the cold winter months:

Repair leaks – If there are any existing leaks in your plumbing, have a professional plumber fix them immediately. Even the tiniest leak can eventually become a significant problem when the weather gets colder in the winter months. Since water expands near-freezing temperatures, the weak spots on your pipes become vulnerable to bursting. If you are not sure whether or not you have any leaks, a plumber can conduct a thorough inspection to ensure your plumbing is in tip-top shape.

Pipe insulation – Ensure exposed pipes throughout your home are properly insulated since they won’t be warmed by your home’s heating system. This includes any pipes which run through your garage, crawl spaces, and attic. Insulation reduces the chance of your pipes freezing and bursting. This typically consists of wrapping them in an insulation foam. If you aren’t able to do it yourself, have a professional get the job done.

Winterize outdoor faucets – The truth is that the type of pipes that are most likely to burst in homes during the winter are connected to outdoor faucets. They are often difficult to adequately insulate. If there is any residual water in these pipes when the temperatures significantly drop, they are susceptible to expanding and bursting. To prevent a disaster from occurring, drain and disconnect any hoses or sprinklers that are attached to these outdoor faucets and keep them elsewhere for the winter. The next step is to fully drain the exposed pipes by shutting off the water supply to these specific faucets.

Maintain your water heater – During this time of year, you may want to drain and maintain your water hear. While it may be difficult to do yourself, a professional can help.

Locate your water main – In the event of a plumbing emergency, it is best to know where your water main is located to mitigate the disaster and prevent further water damage. Furthermore, if you are going on a long vacation during the winter, it is wise to shut it off to prevent any pipes bursting when you’re away from home.